Types of research: Descriptive, exploratory, and explanatory

Descriptive research: An overview

Descriptive research is one of the most commonly used research approaches, particularly in the initial stages of a research project. The main objective of descriptive research is to provide a detailed portrayal of a specific situation, phenomenon, or population. This approach typically involves quantitative analysis, in which data is collected and examined to identify patterns, trends, and relationships.

The primary purpose of descriptive research is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the characteristics of a particular situation, often serving as a foundation for more detailed investigations. This type of research is crucial for identifying variables and formulating hypotheses for further exploration.

Exploratory research: digging deeper

Descriptive research serves as a basis for explanatory research where we can further investigate relationships and determine cause and effect. Exploratory research helps us form initial hypotheses and identify patterns, while descriptive research focuses on describing and summarizing the data.

Exploratory research employs various methods, both qualitative and quantitative, depending on the nature of the question and the available resources. Researchers can use in-depth interviews, observations, surveys, or even literature reviews to gain insights into the subject and discover new perspectives.

Explanatory research: Testing the hypothesis

After conducting descriptive and exploratory research, it is time to transition to explanatory research. This type of research is centered around the testing of hypotheses or theories and the evaluation of assumptions.

In explanatory research, the primary objective is to gather data that can either validate or challenge the hypotheses. Frequently, qualitative methods such as case studies or experiments are utilized in this type of research to examine causal relationships and make conclusions.

Which method best suits which type of research?

Choosing the correct methods and comprehending the type of research being conducted greatly influences the quality and pertinence of the collected data. It is also essential to grasp the various methods of collecting information. In the table provided below, we have specified the suitable data collection method for each type of research.